Advani defends ceasefire policy

VRINDAVAN (U.P.), MARCH 3. The Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K.
Advani, today said the ceasefire policy pursued by the Centre in
Jammu and Kashmir had proved successful and he ruled out charting
out any alternative strategy.

Skirting a direct reply on yesterday's killing of policemen by
terrorists at Rajouri, Mr. Advani told reporters that security
forces had ``all the freedom'' to deal with militants.

He said even during the on-going ceasefire, a number of
terrorists were killed and the security forces were directed to
retaliate in self defence.